Riders collecting Coats for Kids before Saturday's game

If you're going to the Rider game on Saturday be sure to pack an extra
coat.

Not just because it could be a chilly October afternoon, but you can also
donate to the Coats for Kids campaign before the game.

Every year the campaign hopes to collect or buy coats enough coats for kids
in Regina who can't afford to buy a winter coat.

Roughriders' receiver Geroy Simon has been the man at the front of this
year's campaign as they hope to collect at least 5,000 coats.

"People (are) saying they're bringing a lot of coats," he said. "Just one
person said they were bringing 20 coats (on Saturday)."

Getting involved with Coats for Kids was an easy decision for Simon as he's
always been involved with charitable causes throughout his CFL career. Simon
feels it's just something he has to do as a man his position and that wasn't
going to change when he was traded to Riders in the off season.

Even though there's no actual number just yet, Simon said that the response
has been overwhelming.

"It's getting to be a real big thing," he said. "I'm really excited to see
the outcome. We're going to keep a lot of kids warm this winter."

Simon may be the main voice behind the cause, but he's certainly not alone. A
video on the Coats for Kids web site also features teammates Weston Dressler,
Chris Getzlaf, Rob Bagg and Rey Williams.

The man who throws Simon the football has done his part too; you'll probably
remember when Darian Durant was fined after he sent a tweet to a fan with some
rather juicy language.

After that a number of other fans wanted to help pay Durant's fine; instead
on his web site Durant directed fans to donate to Coats for Kids.

"That was something that was unexpected, but it's definitely appreciated,"
said Simon. "The more we can do, the more funds we can have, the more we can
donate."

Coats will be collected on the practice field in front of the west side of
the stadium. If you wish to make a financial donation you can do so online by
clicking here.